RADIO
Browns to Re-Evaluate Quarterback Situation for Week 3
The Cleveland Browns will re-evaluate their quarterback room ahead of Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers, according to Ian Rapoport of ESPN.com. Deshaun Watson won the starting role over Shedeur Sanders out of camp, but he had a shaky Week 1 performance with 205 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception, and five sacks as the Browns lost the opener 34-10. It's possible that Watson could strengthen his grasp on the starting job with a good performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2, but if that doesn't happen, Rapoport writes that Shedeur Sanders could be the "next man up." Sanders produced iffy numbers himself as a rookie last year, totaling 1,400 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across eight games. Even if he's not a true upgrade, he does offer a change of pace for the Browns' offense, as well as an injection of youth into a rebuilding system.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Kyler Murray Expected to Return in Week 3
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) was ruled out for the Week 2 divisional clash against the Chicago Bears this weekend after suffering a scary concussion in the Week 1 season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers, but per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Murray is expected to clear the league's concussion protocol and is "on track" to play in a Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 27. Veteran Carson Wentz will make the start under center for Minnesota against Chicago after throwing three touchdowns and leading the Vikings to a come-from-behind victory over Green Bay last weekend. The Bears' defense nearly allowed 40 points to the Carolina Panthers in the season opener, so Wentz could be in play in deep two-QB leagues in Week 2. Murray, meanwhile, should be held anywhere he is rostered, as he still has a good chance of bouncing back in his first year with the Vikings if he can stay healthy moving forward.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Chris Jones Expected to Play Against Colts
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (calf) is expected to play Sunday night against the Indianapolis Colts, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jones was limited in practice all three days this week and is officially listed as questionable, but there is optimism that he'll be available. Head coach Andy Reid also indicated Friday that he expected Jones to be OK. Assuming he's active, Kansas City will have one of its top defensive linemen available against Jonathan Taylor and the Colts' offense.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Rashod Bateman Makes Solid Play In Absence of Top WR
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is the "name to watch to keep an eye on to emerge" in the absence of star wideout Zay Flowers for Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The Ravens expect to be without Flowers this week, Rapoport reports, but should have him back for the game next week in Brazil against the Cowboys. Bateman had one target in Week 1 with no catches, but could emerge in the passing attack for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in Week 2. Look for Bateman to have a solid contest against the Saints as they look to slow down the passing game without the threat of the speedster in Flowers. Bateman however can pose a threat on the outside and is an experienced receiver in the Ravens offense.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Brock Bowers Should Be Back For Week 3
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) will miss Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers but is likely to return for Week 3's game for the Raiders, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Bowers missed the first two weeks after having a meniscus trim procedure in his knee. Bowers practiced on Friday, according to Rapoport, which should give an indication that he will be back next week for the Raiders' game against the New Orleans Saints. Michael Mayer has been filling in for Bowers at the tight end position, but Bowers, when healthy, is one of the best fantasy tight ends in the league. It is looking like the Raiders and fantasy managers will only miss out on a few games of action from the talented tight end. If everything goes according to plan, he should be back in lineups ready to go in Week 3.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Sam Darnold Recovering Faster Than Anticipated
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) is recovering quicker than expected from his glute injury, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Darnold will miss the Week 2 game for Seattle, but there is a good chance that he could be back in practice this week, and the Seahawks are hoping that he can play in either Week 3 or Week 4. Rapoport said Week 3 is hopeful and Week 4 seems like the "more likely target." Darnold was just 1-for-2 passing in Week 1 against the New England Patriots before the injury for 50 passing yards. Darnold is a capable QB1 in fantasy who showed what he can do last season when healthy in leading the team to a Super Bowl victory. This report is positive news for those who have rostered Darnold, and it sounds like he can be back in starting lineups in a few weeks.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
DJ Moore Day-To-Day With AC Joint Sprain
Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore (shoulder) is day-to-day with an AC joint sprain, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The injury is not considered serious, according to Rapoport, and the Bills were surprised that it was less severe than originally thought when he went down on his shoulder. Moore was signed in the off-season in Buffalo from the Chicago Bears and will avoid a serious injury and test out his shoulder during practice this week. The talented receiver has five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown on eight targets in the team's opening-week win over the Houston Texans. Moore didn't get involved in the game in Week 2 against the Lions before he left with the injury. He has the talent to be a WR1 in Buffalo once he gets back to full health.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Cavaliers Promote Jose Calderon to Assistant General Manager
The Cleveland Cavaliers have promoted Jose Calderon to assistant general manager, the team announced Friday. Calderon rejoined the organization as a special adviser in 2022 and moves up alongside Brandon Weems, who was promoted to general manager. The former NBA guard also helped develop The Embassy in Andalusia, where Cleveland will hold training camp from Sept. 30 through Oct. 5. While the front-office move carries no direct fantasy impact, camp should offer a clearer look at Peyton Watson's fit. Watson averaged 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds with Denver last season and is set to join Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen in Cleveland's starting lineup.
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
Mack Hollins to Benefit From Steady Rapport with Quarterback
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins has consistently maintained a role on offense as one of quarterback Drake Maye's most reliable targets, and that shouldn't change anytime soon. Recently, head coach Mike Vrabel said that one of the most important things for a quarterback and wide receiver duo is to "think alike," according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. Not only do Hollins and Maye check that box, but they also sit together in meetings, which further reinforces their bond. We've seen this off-field bond translate to a trust factor on the field, as Maye often looks to Hollins when he has nobody open. The two connected for 46 completions, 550 yards, and two touchdowns last year, and Hollins opened 2026 right where he left off with four catches for 51 yards. He should continue to handle a decent volume share going forward with AJ Brown (ankle) on injured reserve. Hollins is a solid speculative waiver wire pickup, but he's only worth considering for the WR3/flex spot in deeper leagues with 14+ teams.
Source: Mike Reiss
Source: Mike Reiss
Jalen Brunson Cleared to Open Camp Without Restrictions
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (wrist) is at 80 to 85 percent in his recovery from July surgery and is expected to have no restrictions when training camp opens Sept. 29, ESPN's Vincent Goodwill reports. Brunson is back to basketball activities and no longer wearing a brace after playing through the injury during New York's title run. The reigning Finals MVP averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists across 74 regular-season games before putting up 32.6 points per game against San Antonio. The positive update eases most fantasy concerns, though his shooting touch is worth monitoring early after surgery on his left wrist.
Source: Vincent Goodwill
Source: Vincent Goodwill
Trey Hendrickson Expected to Play with a Cast on Sunday
Baltimore Ravens star defensive end Trey Hendrickson (finger) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 2 contest against the New Orleans Saints, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Hendrickson broke his finger into multiple pieces during practice this week, but he'll be available to play this week with a cast on his hand. The 31-year-old played 41% of the snaps last Sunday, logging just one tackle in a relatively quiet Ravens debut. He'll look to make a bigger impact this week, as the Ravens face mobile quarterback Tyler Shough and his potent Saints offense. Hendrickson is just two years removed from back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in Cincinnati.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Jalen McMillan Expected to Play Sunday in Limited Role
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (knee) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Cleveland Browns despite being listed as questionable, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. However, he'll be functioning at less than 100 percent, as Schefter reports that McMillan isn't ready to occupy a full-time role yet. The 24-year-old is working his way back from a knee injury that has bothered him since training camp. He also missed 13 games last year due to a neck issue, so he's still trying to carve out his first substantial playing time since his rookie season in 2024. He showed high upside with eight touchdowns during his rookie campaign, but he might not replicate that scoring total in 2026 given his role behind Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. For now, he's more of a redraft stash and less of a weekly lineup option.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Chase Ross Signs Exhibit 10 Deal with Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers signed guard Chase Ross to a training camp contract Friday, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot, making official the Exhibit 10 agreement he reached in June. Ross averaged just 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists across four Summer League appearances but was far more productive at Marquette, posting 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.3 steals while earning Big East All-Defensive honors. With Arthur Kaluma, Chris Manon, and AK Okereke holding the Lakers' three two-way spots, Ross is likely headed for a developmental role with Coachella Valley, keeping him off the fantasy radar for now.
Source: Paul Garcia
Source: Paul Garcia
Michael Penix Jr. Could Make His Season Debut on Thursday Night in Week 3
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is "nearing a return" and could make his season debut against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 3, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Penix is working his way back from an ACL tear that he suffered during Week 11 of the 2025 season, putting his recovery at around 10 months. He was impressive before the injury, racking up 1,982 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also had a rushing touchdown. Penix's return to action will offer a major boost to the Falcons, who are also currently without Tua Tagovailoa (oblique). As a result, Cooper Rush started the Week 1 loss against Pittsburgh, and he's in line to start again in Week 2 against Carolina. Penix will rank as a solid QB2 in fantasy football upon his return, and he should benefit from having Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr. at his disposal.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Meechie Johnson Signs Exhibit 10 Deal with Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers signed guard Meechie Johnson to a training camp contract Friday, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot, with Law Murray of The Athletic reporting that it is an Exhibit 10 deal. The 23-year-old went undrafted after averaging 17.2 points, 4.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 31.4 minutes across 32 starts for South Carolina. Johnson later averaged 4.4 points and 2.2 assists across five Summer League appearances with Miami. The Lakers own his G-League rights, making the Coachella Valley Lakers a realistic destination if he is waived. With Los Angeles already facing a roster crunch, Johnson is unlikely to see enough NBA minutes to carry fantasy value.
Source: Paul Garcia
Source: Paul Garcia
